ACURA Legend Coupe Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Acura attacked the Mercedes-Benz S-Coupe, Cadillac Coupe de Ville, and Lincoln Mark VII in 1990 when it introduced the Legend Coupe.

While the first generation of the Legend Coupe, introduced in 1987, was not that luxurious, it was still a threat for the U.S. personal luxury coupe segment. But with the second generation, that threat increased. The Japanese carmaker didn't make too many cool-looking vehicles, apart from the NSX and the Legend. Yet, it managed to create a highly appreciated, dependable car.

The car's front was similar to the sedan version, with narrow horizontal headlights and a thin grille between them. Its bumper was different, though, featuring a sportier look with a broader grille to cool the engine. From its sides, it was noticeable the rear window, which was raked more than the one fitted on the Legend sedan. An exciting feature for those times was the soft-close function for the doors. In the rear, the wide taillights didn't cross onto the trunk lid. As a result, the large trunk was accessible via a smaller area.

Acura fitted the Legend Coupe's interior with its latest technologies, such as the electric adjustments for the steering column, the heated seats, or the premium sound system. Since it was a personal luxury coupe, it featured wood trim on the dash, door panels, and center console. There was not too much room in the back, but the front seats were wide and comfortable.

Under the hood, Honda installed a 3.2-liter engine paired to a 5-speed manual, while a 4-speed automatic was on the options list. A 6-speed manual replaced the 5-speed version in 1993.

While the luxury sedan market was already dominated by the Germans, the Japanese from Honda revealed the new Acura Legend Coupe, in an attempt to beat them at their own game.

The Legend Coupe offered a smooth ride with a fine acceleration and a comfortable interior. The coupe was driven by a 2.7-liter V6 powerplant developing 161hp. It was able to reach 60 mph in 9 seconds even with an automatic 4-speed transmission.

In comparison to the Legend Sedan, the Coupe had a lowered front end, a different roof line, more like the BMW way and different taillights.

The coupe was equipped with anti-lock brakes, thus allowed the driver to steer while braking enhancing control.

The centre console was positioned having the driver in mind, the gauges were basic and very easy to read.

The leather seats were firm and supportive, even if the lumbar support was adjustable for the driver only. The height seats adjustments could be made through manual control only.

The coupe had an automatic climate control that was very easy to use. The manual override buttons were hidden, giving a sensation of a simpler, clean console.

Surprisingly, the rear seats offered adequate room even for large passengers. And what was more unusual for a coupe, the rear windows were retractable.

The huge, flat trunk offered more than enough luggage area.

Safety wise, the coupe had SRS airbags, rear should belts and antilock brakes that came as standard equipment.

The car’s price started from $29,000 with the LS trim level.